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“Women do not represent women in my country. They represent the voices of the men, the families that surround them, and their political party: but not women. They are not feminists,” according to Basma Soudani, from The League of Tunisian Female Voters in Tunisia, as we sat down for an interview.

In Cameroon, defenders of gender equality and the empowerment of women today have a reason to celebrate. This follows the announcement of the results of the legislative elections held on 30 September 2013. The results of the elections, announced in October have ensured that the National Assembly now has 56 women deputies, out of a total 180, i.e. 31.1 per cent. 

We invite our users to read the full article published on October 25th 2013 by UN Women.

Statement of UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the Security Council Open Debate on women, peace and security, 18 October 2013, in New York.

The legacy of conflict-related violence endures long after a peace agreement is signed. In too many cases, violence and insecurity continue or even increase for women, facilitated by large-scale impunity, the absence of effective justice systems and an unreformed security sector. Re-establishing the rule of law is the foundation for women’s security, protection of rights, and, ultimately, an equitable peace.

The UN Security Council today demonstrated renewed determination to put women’s leadership at the centre of all efforts to resolve conflict and promote peace. By unanimous vote, the Council adopted a resolution that sets in place stronger measures to enable women to participate in conflict resolution and recovery, and puts the onus on the Security Council, the United Nations, regional organizations and Member States to dismantle the barriers, create the space, and provide seats at the table for women.

Even though Kyrgyzstan has had a female president and women hold 23 percent of the seats in its 120-member parliament, women are still struggling to carve out leadership roles in the legislature and political parties.

But a local women’s group is trying to change that. Formed shortly after the 2005 Tulip Revolution, the Women’s Discussion Club of Kyrgyzstan has played a major role in promoting public policies that benefit women.